Juliann Gerchard Kurzmann

Juliann Gerchard Kurzmann

Date of Birth: 07.04.1907
Country: Austria

Content:
  1. Early Life and Military Education
  2. World War II
  3. Promotion to Major General
  4. Command of Divisions
  5. Battle of Berlin and Capture
  6. Post-War Life
  7. Decorations and Awards

Early Life and Military Education

Juliann Kurzmann was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, in 1907. As a teenager, he became proficient in the Russian language. In 1925, he joined the infantry school in Dresden, Germany, and graduated in 1928 as a Lieutenant.

World War II

In 1937, Kurzmann was promoted to Hauptmann. He participated in the Polish Campaign in 1939, earning the rank of Oberst (Colonel) and commanding the 117th Infantry Regiment of the 17th Field Army. His regiment was frequently transferred to different armies.

In 1941, Kurzmann was sent to the Eastern Front, where he fought in the battles of Ukraine, Moscow, Сталинград, Vienna, and Berlin. In the Battle of Сталинград in 1942, his regiment successfully stormed several houses, but Kurzmann was wounded in February 1943 and remained in hospital until April. Under his orders, seven civilians and four Red Army officers were executed in Сталинград.

Promotion to Major General

In March 1943, Kurzmann was promoted to Major General, but was given command of not a division but three regiments. On March 5th, he arrived in Kharkov and participated in the Battle of Kharkov in 1943.

Command of Divisions

In June 1943, Kurzmann was given command of a division, but he did not hold this position for long. He switched between multiple divisions as he was replaced by more experienced officers. In November 1944, he took command of the 220th Infantry Division.

In January 1945, the division suffered a defeat. Kurzmann retreated to Vienna, and then to Amstetten, where the remains of the division were destroyed on the first day of the assault. On April 17th, Kurzmann made his way to Berlin.

Battle of Berlin and Capture

In Berlin, Kurzmann was given command of two regiments. He defended the Spree River, but in the final phase of the battle, his force of 4,500 men was reduced to ten, who surrendered with their commander.

Post-War Life

Kurzmann was taken prisoner in 1945 during the Battle of Berlin. His personal diaries and writings were confiscated by the Red Army and were never returned. Before Nazi Germany signed the Act of Unconditional Surrender, he was released. Kurzmann fled to Croatia but moved to Vienna, Austria in 1947. He became a teacher and died of natural causes in 1979.

Decorations and Awards

Medal for the Winter Campaign in the East 1941/42
Iron Cross 2nd Class
Iron Cross 1st Class
German Cross in Gold
Wehrmacht Long Service Medal 4th Class
Wehrmacht Long Service Medal 3rd Class

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